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When can I apply to volunteer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games?
The online application process for volunteers starts February 12, 2008. Applications will be accepted until all roles are filled.
Can I apply to volunteer for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games only?
Yes, the application process is the same for both the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games as the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Please indicate your interest on the Availability & Preferences page of the application form. Volunteers are required to be available for the entire Paralympic Games period and can expect to work a minimum of eight shifts.
I want to apply, but don't have a computer at home. Where can I go?
There are several different places you can access the application form if you don't have a computer at home. Some of your options include BC Libraries and the 2010 Information Centre in Whistler. You might also want to apply on-line at an Internet café.
What documents and information will I need to complete the application form?
To complete your application form, you'll need the following:
- A current e-mail address (which is not shared with anyone else who is applying for a volunteer role)
- One of the following types of ID: birth certificate, driver's licence, Indian Status Card, passport, provincial ID
- The name and number of an emergency contact
- CPR and/or first aid certification (if applicable)
- Driver's licence number (if you have one)
- The consent and contact details of your parent/guardian (if you are currently under 19 years old, but will be 19 by September 1, 2008)
How do I know if my application has been received?
You'll receive an e-mail confirming that your application has been received.
I signed up to a volunteer list during the Bid phase. Do I need to go through the application process again?
Yes, you must fill out the online application form. Thousands of Games enthusiasts expressed their interest to volunteer during the Bid phase. This was a great way to gauge interest from potential volunteers, however the application form is different and will capture your skills, background and qualifications, as well as, your availability to volunteer.
When will I know if I'm selected for a volunteer position?
The volunteer selection process will take about two years. There are several steps along the way including:
- Application - this process is on-going until all positions have been filled
- Phone screen - spring 2008 to the end of 2009
- Security clearance - September 2008 to the end of 2009
- Interview - September 2008 to the end of 2009
- Orientation and Customer Service Excellence training – September 2008 to the end of 2009
- Offer of a volunteer position - offers will be extended throughout 2009, depending on the role
- Acceptance - volunteers are asked to accept or decline positions in a timely manner
- Job-Specific and Venue-Specific Training - fall 2008 to January 2010
- Scheduling - fall 2009
You'll be considered a 2010 Winter Games volunteer after you've passed the security screening, have been offered and accepted a position and have completed the accreditation process. Please note that most individuals will complete all of these steps by fall 2009.
I have a friend or family member interested in volunteering, what should they do?
All interested candidates must complete their own online application form. Please direct them to this page.
I live in another province. Can I apply to volunteer for the 2010 Winter Games?
Absolutely -- these are Canada's Games and we encourage all Canadians to apply. However, applicants from outside of Vancouver and Whistler must secure their own accommodation during the Games. Volunteers will also be required to arrange and pay for transportation to and from Vancouver.
I live in another country. Can I apply to volunteer for the 2010 Winter Games?
Absolutely -- however, applicants from outside of Vancouver and Whistler must secure their own accommodation during the Games. Volunteers will also be required to arrange and pay for transportation to and from Vancouver.
What is the time commitment to be a volunteer for the 2010 Winter Games?
- The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games are being held February 12- 28, 2010. Volunteers are required to be available for the entire Games period and can expect to work a minimum of 13 shifts.
- The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games are being held March 12-21, 2010. Volunteers are required to be available for the entire Games period and can expect to work a minimum of eight shifts.
- Volunteer roles are varied -- some may be required for the minimum 17-day commitment, while others will extend several months. The more flexible your availability, the more options that may be available.
- A normal volunteer day will be around 8-10 hours, including breaks.
I'm not available for the entire Olympic and/or Paralympic Games period, can I still apply?
While all interested individuals are welcome to apply, preference will be given to candidates who are available to work during the full period of the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and other sport event opportunities.
Do I need to be a certain age to volunteer?
Games-time volunteers must be 19 years old by September 1, 2008. This is to comply with RCMP screenings and security checks.
Is there a maximum age to volunteer for the 2010 Winter Games?
There is no maximum age for volunteers.
What is the interview process?
We'll be conducting telephone interviews as a first means of getting to know applicants. Those who are successful will be invited for in-person interviews. Interview locations outside of Vancouver and other Games-related areas, such as Whistler and Squamish, are being finalized. Applicants are responsible for covering their own cost of travel and accommodation to the nearest interview location.
What is training and is it mandatory?
There are several different areas of training for volunteers, which are mandatory. You must attend the training sessions you've been scheduled for. Training is a key ingredient to your Games experience as it ensures you have the skills to carry out your role, and the motivation and enthusiasm to succeed. If you miss a training session, you could jeopardize your volunteer position. Please make sure you attend every session.
Do I get to choose my volunteer position?
Roles will be assigned based on the location of your accommodation during the Games, as well as your availability, skills and experience. Where possible, your preference will also be considered.
I want to be a medical volunteer during the Games. What do I do?
Medical volunteers will provide numerous services during the 2010 Winter Games in medical facilities situated in the Olympic and Paralympic Villages and at the Olympic and Paralympic venues. These medical services include general practice, sports medicine, diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, lab services, dentistry, optometry, bracing, orthotics and prosthetics, surgery, dermatology, internal medicine, gynaecology, physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, nutrition services, psychology, respirology, cardiology and traumatology. In addition, we will require many people for the Anti-Doping Program including, but not limited to, doping control officers, phlebotomists and chaperones.
Due to tremendous interest in volunteering for Games-time positions, the application process for all positions will be similar to applying for employment with VANOC, including interviews, screening, and training.
What is the difference between a Vancouver 2010 Champion and Team Vancouver 2010?
Everyone who applies for a volunteer position becomes a Vancouver 2010 Champion. In this unique role, you'll have access to the volunteer website, which will give you important information about the Games. This will empower you to share your knowledge and enthusiasm for the Games with others in your community.
If you're chosen for a specific volunteer position, you'll be joining Team Vancouver 2010. This team will consist of the 25,000 trained volunteers charged with delivering an extraordinary Games experience.
Will accommodation be provided for volunteers?
With an expected 25,000 volunteers, accommodation is a major consideration. Although pre-arranged accommodation is not a pre-requisite, we would strongly recommend that you secure a place to stay for the duration of the Games within the Games corridor (Vancouver or Whistler areas). As a guideline, your accommodation should be located within a 60-minute drive of Vancouver or Whistler.
What is the volunteer host program?
Details about the volunteer host program are currently being finalized. If you're interested in learning more about hosting a volunteer, please let us know on the Volunteer & Work Experience page of the application form.
Will public transportation be provided for volunteers?
We're currently working on a transportation plan for the Games. Watch the volunteer website for updates.
What does the uniform consist of?
The official unveiling of the uniform will take place in 2009, so check vancouver2010.com for updates.
What if I have special needs or requirements that should be considered in my application?
To help us to make sure that all volunteers have a positive experience, please consider completing the Employment Equity section of the application. Completing this section is optional and will not impact your ability to volunteer in any way.
I have a hearing impairment and want to find out more about volunteering?
Please contact us through the Volunteer Information Centre's TTY facility at 1.866.645.2010
I have a disability that prevents me from completing the application form, what do I do?
If you're using a screen-reading program, you will not be able to complete the registration page of the application form because of a security issue. Please contact our Volunteer Information Centre at 1.866.925.8657 / 1.866.925.VOLS or 1.778.328.6655 to complete this page, or for any other assistance you might need.
I'm having technical difficulty with the application process or the volunteer website, what do I do?
Please contact the Volunteer Information Centre at 1.866.925.8657 / 1.866.925.VOLS or 1.778.328.6655. We'd be happy to help you.
What do I need to apply online or view the volunteer website?
A computer with internet access and a web browser.
What browsers are supported?
Internet Explorer 7.0 and Firefox 2.0+. You may experience difficulties using other web browsers.
What does "It appears that your browser has Javascript disabled. To take advantage of this site's features, please enable Javascript in your browser" mean?
For Internet Explorer, please follow these steps:
- Go to Tools > Internet Options
- Click Security tab
- Click Custom Level button
- Select "Enable" under Active Scripting
For Firefox, please follow these steps:
- Go to Tools-> Options
- Click Content icon
- Check "Enable Javascript"
I don't have an e-mail address. What should I do?
If you don't have an e-mail address you can set one up for free through different search engines. You can also contact your Internet service provider for further options. Please keep in mind that you'll need your own e-mail address to apply for a volunteer role. For security reasons, you and another volunteer applicant cannot share the same e-mail address.
What does this message mean: "It appears that your browser has cookies blocked. To take advantage of this site's features, please unblock cookies in your browser"?
Our website requires cookies in order to work correctly. To enable cookies only for our website, please follow the steps below.
For Internet Explorer, please follow these steps:
- Go to Tools > Internet Options
- Click on the Privacy tab
- Click on the Sites button
- In the Address box, type "volunteer2010.vancouver2010.com" and click on the Allow button
- Click OK to close the dialog boxes.
For Firefox, please follow these steps:
- Go to Tools-> Options
- Click on the Privacy icon
- Click on the Exceptions button
- In the Address box, type "volunteer2010.vancouver2010.com" and click on the Allow button
- Click Close and then OK to close the dialog boxes.
What is the security check?
To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the Games as well as the security of the event itself, all volunteers will be required to undergo a security check. Conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), this security check will investigate whether the applicant has a criminal history. Please note, a recorded conviction does not necessarily mean that someone will be unsuccessful in their volunteer application. Each case will be assessed against standard criteria. Due to privacy reasons, we will not be notified on the details of an applicant's history; however, anyone who does not pass the security screening will not receive clearance to be accredited for the Games.
These checks will be run frequently leading up to the Games and volunteer roles are offered subject to satisfactorily completing these checks.
During the recruitment process (at the interview stage), all candidates will be required to provide photograph identification and additional information to RCMP.
What is a Sport Event?
Sport Events are major national or international events, such as World Cups or World Championships that will take place in the Vancouver and Whistler area in 2008 and early 2009. VANOC will be testing operations at these events. Each sport discipline will be tested at least once leading up to the 2010 Winter Games, so there are many chances for you to get involved.
How can I volunteer for a Sport Event?
If you’re interested in volunteering for a Sport Event, you need to let us know on your volunteer application form. If you still have not submitted your application, all you need to do is click ‘Yes’ to the first question on the ‘Availability and Preferences’ page.
How do I contact someone to discuss my application?
We hope that most of your questions can be answered on this website! If you are having a technical issue however, or need to withdraw your application, please contact our Volunteer Information Centre at 1.866.925.8657 / 1.866.925.VOLS or 1.778.328.6655.
Please note, due to the high number of volunteer applications, we are unable to answer individual inquiries on the status of applications.
www.vancouver2010.com
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